The Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs its “Holiday Spectacular” at Crystal Lake’s Raue Center and Elgin’s Hemmens, Naperville comedian Chris Ryan returns for a show at North Central, and the Ruth Page dancers perform their namesake’s “Nutcracker” in the city and suburbs.

The Joffrey and Salt Creek ballet companies remount “The Nutcracker,” Winter WonderFest returns to Chicago’s Navy Pier, and Ruben Studdard, Peabo Bryson and Sheena Easton headline the “Home for the Holidays” concert at the Genesee Theatre.

Make plans for tree lightings and productions of “The Nutcracker” throughout the area, Naperville Holiday Parade of Lights, Christmas at Cantigny Light Show, the Vienna Boys Choir, “Elf The Musical” on stage and more.

Make plans for Aurora Christkindlmarket, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic, Chicago Sports Spectacular in Rosemont, Turkey Trots, winter festivals, Santa sightings, Thanksgiving events and more.

Make plans for Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Reindeer Run, “Swan Lake” at Waukegan’s Genesee, IllumiBrew at Morton Arboretum, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago and more.

Communities across the suburbs will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with ceremonies and concerts. Here are some of the events planned in the suburbs in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States armed services.

Make plans for the Grayslake Antique Bottle and Advertising Show, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair in Rosemont, Veterans Day events throughout the suburbs and more.

Make plans for Halloween events and trick-or-treating throughout the suburbs; Dia de Muertos events in Highland Park, Waukegan and Naperville; the 312 Comedy Fest in Chicago and more.

BrightSide Theatre artistic director Jeffrey Cass fulfills his longtime ambition to stage the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Show,” a campy 1973 tuner that celebrates living one’s truth and living it fearlessly.

Janus Theatre concludes its long tenure at the Elgin Art Showcase with a 90-minute adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” and Writers Theatre stages “As You Like It.”